Hey there, I'm Ash! Just your average dog mom, and margarita lover. Let me start by saying how weird it feels to be talking about myself on the internet. I am more of a "let's get to know each other in real life" kinda gal, but here we go anyway! My full name is Ashley Gabrielson. My close friends tend to call me Ash Gabes. That's basically where the name of my business originated. I have lived in San Diego my whole life, and love the heck out of this sunshine town.

When I am not behind the camera, I love hiking with my dog Fonzarelli. Camping, and exploring national parks are just a few of the things that make my soul happy.

I have been known to have what some call a loud laugh [lol]. Also, do not be surprised if you catch me on the dance floor at your wedding. If you are a adventurous duo looking for a fun-loving photographer, then you have come to the right place!

[Check out the three part Q&A below where I answer some frequently asked questions!]

Q&A

Q.

When was the first time you picked up a camera?

A.

The first time I picked up a camera was during a college study abroad trip to Barcelona. My Grandpa gifted me a Canon Rebel to take photos during my trip. I probably should have been taking photos of all the beautiful architecture, but instead I was photographing my friends and everything we were doing. I definitely have more photos from that trip of people laughing with a glass of sangria in their hand, than I do of Barcelona itself.

Q.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

A.

I shot my first wedding in 2015. At that time, I had just graduated college, was working a 9 to 5 and photographing bloggers on the side. I had never photographed a wedding, or really thought about being a wedding photographer.
As I began posting more of my work online, a couple I knew from high school reached out and asked me to take their engagement photos. They ended up loving those photos so much that they asked me to photograph their wedding day. I said yes! I immediately fell in love with the shooting weddings, and threw myself into learning everything about the industry.

Q.

How do you make your work look so candid and natural?

A.

A lot my posing is movement driven. I try my best to capture all the in between looks or giggles where my clients are totally focused on each other and not thinking about the fact that they are in the middle of a photoshoot. For example, one of my go-to poses is asking a couple to slow motion run towards the camera. It sounds ridiculous, but you are guaranteed to laugh at yourself while doing this. Those are the kind of moments I enjoy documenting.